Travirca recused himself from voting on the new director, citing his friendship with COA interim director and executive director candidate Pat Scott.

Martin votes only to break a tie.

"I was impressed with two candidates," said board member Lawrence Mounic, before making the motion to hire Rodriguez.

After the vote was announced to the candidates, Mounic added, "I can only recommend to the new director that she would consider Pat (Scott) strongly when she decides on the new assistant director."

"I think we could work well together," Rodriguez responded. "We always did.

"Y'all will be proud," she later added, "I promise you."

Following the announcement of Rodriguez's hiring, COA staff filed in to hear the news.

Travirca alerted the staff of the board's decision, then spoke of the need to move beyond the turbulence of the past few months that culminated in the dismissal of eight-year COA Director Gaylia Simons.

"We have been through a rather difficult period," Travirca acknowledged -- one without precedent, he said.